RAA pilots in control zones
 

I've just been told that RAA pilots in transponder equipped aircraft can access primary control zones. I must have missed something - I thought the minimum requirement was for a PPL. Can anyone enlighten me - and is this a good development?

Provided RAA pilots have the appropriate training, and their aircraft are suitably equipped - why not?

We need to foster participation in GA, not find reasons to lock people out. :)

at this present moment, you need a PPL and transponder to access CTA. but the CTA endorsement for RAAus licence holders is very near. it is almost identical to the old Flight radio operators licence gained with the PPL a while back.

Let's hope the RAAA have got their varying training standards under control before they send Joe Lightie into busy control zones, otherwise the first accident will be only a matter of time.. :suspect:

"Let's hope the RAAA have got their varying training standards under control before they send Joe Lightie into busy control zones, otherwise the first accident will be only a matter of time.. http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/cwm13.gif"

HERE WE GO, there's always one!!!!!

Seriously, BUSY control zones? So is an RA-Aus pilot with fresh CTA endorsement any more dangerous than an international first solo student with 10 hours under his belt? No? I think not.

Rest assured that when the endorsement does become active (as it's currently in the RA-Aus ops manual but not in force yet) that the instructors and their respective students will be appropriately trained, endorsed and experienced in order to conduct the flight into CTA so you and your family Mr Plank Bender in your 172 bug smasher can fly safely and sleep snug at night.

Bwaaahaha. Seems its a touchy point there xxx.
I have bumped into quite a few RAA blokes out in the sticks, and to be quite honest, they are a little behind with the radio work. Not to say I havent bumped into PPL's that are the same, but I think it might be a problem when in a busy control zone if they display the same sort of radio work.
as to the last part of your statement........ well, I hope your right, as they make a terrible noise as they are being ingested through the turbine. :}:E
Seriously though, I'm not bagging out on the RAA guys, but they really do lack in the radio work department. I would suggest its really only due to a lack of exposure to that sort of environment though. That being the case, who is going to train the new guys with the radio work, if the instructors dont have that sort of exposure and background?. Possibly instructors that hold both RAA and CPL?.

Planky!!
the RT standard of most low time PPL 's is an absolute disgrace.
Phraseology and RT with ATC needs a whole lot more time spent on it during early training.

right here... RAAus Instructor, PPL and CPL holder, since 1988

I assume that the training will also require a flight test?:confused:

Check up on some accurate navigation and altitude holding.

Otherwise it should work fine.

My opinion for what it is worth is why do the RAA want to go for the extra complexity? Why not stick to a simple life. If one of their members wants to traverse CTA, do a PPL. If they have a bit of experience they would not need much more training to pass the tests.

J:ok:

I'm not coming down on one side or the other until I know the facts - but there are other issues involved. For instance:

Is the medical standard the same?

Willl the RAA registered aircraft have current RAD 43/47 inspections?

How will AirServices (and others) know where to bill the charges, given that, unlike the CASA Register, the RAA Register is not publically available?

Let's encourage aviation, sure, but let's also have a level playing field with respect to such issues.

Can't see a problem with it...
 

It all depends on the training.

Down in Devonport there is an RAA Jab flying school. Don't know who they are, but their circuits, general handling (from what we can see), and their R/T is excellent! :ok:

I wish the same could be said for some of the GA training schools that fly in and out of Mildura, where some GA aircraft can't even get North or South of the field correct. Let alone anything more challenging, like correct R/T, or even making radio calls at all! :suspect:

DIVOSH!

Divosh, over use of radio in the bush would be as worse as none at all. If there is no traffic in the area why make (Apart from if you like the sound of your own voice) 8 calls from inbound to clear? Or if there are 2 or 3 Aircraft doing circuits all calling on all legs of the circuit, you can't get a word in and you can't tell me their "Doing the right thing".

For those more familiar with AIP's, what are the "Required" calls?, not "Recommended", there is a difference.

Are you serious?
 

Who could honestly say that they would rather a pilot not transmit his location in the circuit to other pilots? Anybody with a brain in their head and a little situational awareness should have a mental picture of the other aircraft in the circuit anyway.

Some RAAus aircraft have been allowed in CTA for years: factory built aircraft only, flown by a PPL+RAA ticket holder. (Cambridge TAS operates under a special arrangement for solo RAAus students.)
How's about all you armchair experts just read the RAAus OPS manual, and add to that the frequent recent reports in the RAAus magazine for the TRUE story about what's around the corner.
I'm not an RAAus flyer, but I easily keep my finger on the pulse. All the info is freely available (unless you have to buy the magazine)

Exactly. See and be seen,after all we are flying VFR aren't we.

A few that I know go through the zone anyway, why worry about ATC and clearances just charge through.

HarveyGeeI believe these issues are all being addressed........ not sure about the medical issue tho.........J

I can hear it now...

"Yeh Gidday Syderney, I'm just over ere by the river and I'm gonna follow Bill in"!;)

Let's stay on topic, guys and gals - R/T training? medical standards? RAD 43/47 inspections? the secret register? It's all relevant - I'm looking for factual input - so far it all seems a bit "wheels are in motion behind the scene" to me - this is not how policy should be made. I think this is an important issue, but I'm not seeing any transparency.

OK back on topic...
YES! Anything that gets more people up in the air has to be a good thing, properly trained why shouldn't RAA have access to major airports!:ok:

IMHO it as far harder to negotiate a country CTAF with 6 or more aircraft (of varying performance) in the circuit, than it is a control zone!:rolleyes: